NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Orange County Spine & Sports Medicine is proud to announce that Dr. Vivek Babaria, DO, has been selected as a member of the inaugural class of Distinguished Fellows of the North American Spine Society (DFNS). He will be formally recognized at the first DFNS Convocation Ceremony, held October 14, 2026, during the NASS Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
About the Distinguished Fellow Designation
The North American Spine Society created the Distinguished Fellow designation in 2026 to honor members whose careers reflect a lasting commitment to the spine field. Inductees are recognized for professional excellence, active engagement with the Society, and service to the broader spine community. As the first class to receive the designation, the 2026 Distinguished Fellows represent the leadership and expertise that help move spine care forward, across surgical and non-surgical specialties alike.
Dr. Babaria, a board-certified physiatrist specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), has been a NASS member since 2016. He joins a group of physicians, researchers, and clinicians from across North America and around the world.
A Commitment to Higher Standards
In his reflections for the NASS Distinguished Fellows publication, Dr. Babaria described the Society as a community of colleagues who share a commitment to clinical and professional excellence. He emphasized the importance of accountability within the profession:
“If we commit to a higher standard and hold each other accountable to it, then our patients can continue to have faith in the system.”
Dr. Babaria credits his mentors with shaping how he practices today. Their example showed him that private practice doesn’t have to mean stepping away from academic work, an approach he calls “privademics.” That philosophy continues to guide his practice, where he pursues clinical excellence alongside ongoing contributions to research and education.
Putting Patients First
For Dr. Babaria, excellence in spine care starts with honesty. He believes that because outcomes from any procedure can never be guaranteed, physicians should approach every case with humility. That means communicating openly with patients, including when results fall short of expectations, and working with them on a clear path forward.
That patient-centered approach shapes care at Orange County Spine & Sports Medicine, where Dr. Babaria and his team focus on non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment options for spine, joint, and sports-related conditions.
Congratulations, Dr. Babaria
The entire team at Orange County Spine & Sports Medicine congratulates Dr. Babaria on this well-deserved recognition. Being named to the inaugural class of Distinguished Fellows reflects years of dedication to his patients, his colleagues, and the advancement of spine care.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Babaria, call (949) 216-5277 or visit ocspineandsports.com. Appointments are available at our Newport Beach and Huntington Beach locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Distinguished Fellow of the North American Spine Society (DFNS) designation?
The DFNS designation is an honor created by NASS in 2026 to recognize members who have shown sustained professional excellence, engagement, and service to the spine community throughout their careers.
When was Dr. Babaria recognized?
Dr. Babaria was inducted as part of the inaugural 2026 DFNS class and honored at the Convocation Ceremony on October 14, 2026, during the NASS Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
What does Dr. Babaria specialize in?
Dr. Babaria is a physiatrist specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with a focus on non-surgical and minimally invasive care for spine, joint, and sports-related conditions.
